The debate is starting all over again about how to fund Higher Education. Christine Alsford speaks to vice-chancellors Sir David Bell at Reading, Professor Joy Carter from Winchester, and Southampton Itchen MP and former universities minister John Denham about the challenges ahead.

"Living costs are rising and hard-working families are finding it hard to make ends meet. For many the daily commute is now their biggest household bill.

"It’s time for the Tory-led Government to do something to help Southampton’s many commuters.

“Those already spending over £4,000 on a season ticket from Southampton Central to London are likely to be hit hard by these increases if they go ahead.

"Quite simply, the Tory-led Government should not be increasing fares using its current formula, which puts fares at 3% above inflation. It is far too high. Train companies should not be allowed to increase ticket prices by any more than one per cent above inflation across all routes.”